5 Things Social Workers Should Know about the Affordable Care Act

The Mayor’s Health Line is the oldest information and referral line in the state and is always available to assist social workers and other case managers in Massachusetts who are working to find the best possible resources to assist their vulnerable clients and families.

We know that health care coverage and insurance can be confusing and are just one phone call away to assist with our one-stop services on obtaining health care. Call 617-534-5050 anytime you identify an individual or family in need.

We also wanted to take this opportunity to share what you should know about the Affordable Care Act – i.e., the national health care reform law.

1. Demand for Your Services Will Grow
In 2014, as a result of the Affordable Care Act, even more families will become eligible for insurance through Medicaid or the new subsidized insurance product on the exchange (currently called the Connector); thus, social workers will have more insured paying patients.

2. REALLY, Demand for Your Services Will Grow
Essential Health Benefits are still being defined now but include behavioral health and habilitative and rehabilitative care – services provided by and important to social workers.

3. Your Role Will Be More Important Than Ever
The Affordable Care Act emphasizes coordinated care arrangements through new initiatives such as Accountable Care Organizations and Health Homes both of which rely primarily on the care coordination provided by professionals such as social workers.

4. You Will Be Instrumental in Improved Health Outcomes
In 2014, hospitals will no longer be reimbursed for certain re-admissions so presumably they will invest in discharge planning and social workers to provide transition care to the home and community and avoid re-admissions.

5. More Jobs for Social Workers
Community Health Centers are receiving large increases of funding to provide primary care and coordinated care to the newly insured population and will need to hire social workers to provide care coordination and linkage and referral to low income populations who have not had experience getting into care.

If you have health reform questions, you can find online at http://www.bphc.org/mayorshealthline or contact us at mayorshealthline AT bphc.org. We will answer your questions directly and possibly feature them on our blog.

Remember – you can reach us live at 617-534-5050 for all of your health care access needs.

Call us at 617-534-5050

Located in Boston, the Mayor’s Health Line is a free and confidential, information and referral phone service open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm. It is your one-stop-shop for your health insurance and health care needs. The Mayor's Health Line is part of the Boston Public Health Commission. please visit their site at www.bphc.org